Story & Lesson Highlights with Anthony Bennetts

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Anthony Bennetts. Check out our conversation below.

Anthony, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Yes, I would hire myself. I don’t need a reason, my work speaks for itself. I know I take amazing photos.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Anthony and I do photography as a hobby. All my photos are taken with my phone, Samsung Galaxy S20FE and with it, I capture a little bit of everything. I do everything to get raw moments and vibes, so very little setting up and virtually no staging.

When I’m doing photography, I’m a groundskeeper, 1 of 2, for Avalon Housing in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I co-ordinate and co-lead volunteer groups, tend and take care of 15 out of 30 properties, conduct quarterly maintenance checks on the fleet of vehicles, planning to facilitate workshops for Sun safety – Skin care/health, and being an ear for the awesome residents.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
I would have to say, that my grandma taught me the most about work ethics. She practically was a single parent when she raised 4 kids. My grandma was a nurse full-time, did all the cooking and cleaning(till the kids were old enough to help out), and raised 4 kids herself. My grandpa was in the Navy, so he wasn’t around as much as he would like to.

My grandma showed me how to have pride in every job that you do. Work ’till the job is done, take breaks to lessen the strain on your body, it’s not about perfection all the time, and learn how to relax after working.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
It was the year 2016, when I almost gave up on life as a whole. It was a really rough time for me mentally. The year before, 2015, I went cold turkey off of hard drugs and just moved to Michigan from California. I did attempted to end my life, but I knew I wasn’t ready to go and I really do love life and what I get to experience as a human. So, I drove myself to the hospital and started my healing process. One of the best decisions and choices I’ve made in my life.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I highly believe in ending homelessness in society, even if it means to redefining what it means to be homeless/unhoused. I do understand that you won’t necessarily get rid of homelessness all the way, because there are the very few people, who will love the nomad lifestyle and freedom that comes with being “homeless/unhoused”. I want to live in a society, where people can thrive and grow and not just surviving. We can have hosuing that’s more affordable for everyone and jobs the pay better, with benefits.
I see the success of how “housing first” is a better model to help mitigate homelessness and strains on local resources. Especially, when you have supportive services in place. I’ve seen people get off the street and changed their lives all the way around. I’ve seen people be able to save up and get their own places or finally get a car. The best moments are when I see kids running around and laughing and when people have their families over. It’s those moments that keep me going.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel the most peace when I’m in nature or taking pictures, especiallywhen im doing both of them at the same time. When I say nature, it could also just be being outside or in the city. I do find peace in the chaos of the city life. But, when I’m near trees, I will hug them.
With photography, it helps me appreciate the little moments, the raw moments, the everyday life. It definitely does ground me and be with the present.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://anthonybennetts.smugmug.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyjames_734/profilecard/?igsh=dGRqenZtd3docjVw

Image Credits
None